TTC Silent Frozen (V2) vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, both of which are linear switches. The Silent Frozen (V2) is renowned for its extremely quiet sound profile, smooth operation, and pillowy feel, making it ideal for those who value a noise-free typing experience. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° by Gateron boasts an innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering unmatched smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, catering to different preferences and requirements. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
39g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Silver white spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° are both made of polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other housing materials. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through. Both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound quality and aesthetic appeal due to their polycarbonate housing construction.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The Silent Frozen (V2) features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the Zero Degree 0° uses nylon for its bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Frozen (V2). This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the sound profile desired.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in how a switch feels and sounds when pressed. The bottom housing material has a larger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice between the Silent Frozen (V2) and the Zero Degree 0° may also depend on whether the user prefers a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, providing users with options to customize their typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is evident that the Silent Frozen (V2) is lighter than the Zero Degree 0°. The Silent Frozen (V2) has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° has an actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. When considering the weight of the switches, it is essential to note that a lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for work or gaming. However, some users prefer a heavier push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While the 0.1 mm difference may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the overall feel of the switch. Those who prefer a quicker response time may lean towards the Silent Frozen (V2) with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Gateron Zero Degree 0°. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.33.
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and muted sound profile that minimizes noise and provides a deep and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's hard to compare directly in this aspect. However, both switches are designed for silent typing, so you can expect similar results in terms of reduced noise levels when typing.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch is praised for its creamy, buttery, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, offering a smooth, effortless, and comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. Meanwhile, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch's tactile feel is unspecified, making it challenging to contrast with the Silent Frozen switch directly. However, given that both switches aim for a smooth and stable typing experience, you can anticipate a similar level of typing comfort and ease of use.
Overall, both the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches cater to users looking for a quiet and smooth typing experience, with the Silent Frozen switch excelling in providing a thocky sound and creamy feel. While the sound and feel of the Gateron switch remain unspecified, choosing either option would likely result in a comparable typing experience with minimal noise and enhanced typing comfort. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, you should consider your priorities. If you value a light bottom out force, extremely quiet sound profile, and smooth, pillowy feel, then the Silent Frozen (V2) would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with innovative self-padding design, dual-rail structure for smoothness and stability, as well as a soft, elastic feel that reduces noise, then the Gateron Zero Degree 0° might be more suitable for your needs. Both switches have their unique features and advantages, so ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and which qualities you prioritize in your typing experience.
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